Lot 144: 1997 Aston Martin Virage V8 Coupe

Following three years of intense development, Aston Martin chose to unveil their new car for the nineties and beyond, at the International Motor Show in England on the 18th of October 1988. Called the Virage it was one of the sensations of the show attracting enormous public and media attention. The engine was based on the well tried and tested all-alloy V8 designed by Tadek Marek with its racing pedigree. It was heavily revised with entirely new four valves cylinder heads for better breathing and to overcome power losses inevitable with the use of catalytic converters. This is so the engine can run on unleaded fuel anywhere, in effect it is a 'worldwide' engine compatible for all markets. Development of the new four valve heads was in the hands the of renowned experts, Callaway Engineering. The chassis was designed in conjunction with the Cranfield Institute of Technology (one of the leaders in aerospace technology). It is torsionally stiffer, lighter and less complex than that of its predecessor, the V8. The body, in true Aston Martin tradition is aluminium hand beaten by skilled craftsmen to a design by John Heffernan and Ken Greenley. 'From the outset we felt that the car should be an evolutionary successor to the DB4, 5, 6 and V8,' said Heffernan. The front spoiler incorporates an aerodynamically shaped under tray while the rear features a boot lip spoiler, each combining to produce zero lift. The car on offer today is from the last year of production -1997, and one of the last to come off the Aston production line. It is finished in metallic royal blue with magnolia piped blue interior and is described by the vendor to be in excellent condition all round. This being a late car, it has the desirable four speed auto rather than the previous incarnations 3 speed torqueflite 'box. Other enhancements include a factory fitted sports exhaust which contributes to a magnificent exhaust note. This three-owner Virage has a full Aston Martin service history from new and is complemented by a valid MoT valid until January next year. More than anything it is the bespoke nature of this truly British GT''s construction. Body panels shaped by expert hands, Connolly hide stitched by time-hardened fingers, and most importantly each and every engine bearing the signature of the craftsman who hand built it.